What to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul

Istanbul Tourist Attractions & Activities

Never one to shy away from an eye-opening adventure and innovative ways to get your kicks, you’re eager to investigate a new destination from top to bottom. You’re keen to set a course in a new direction. It’s not hard to fill an itinerary, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with loads of things to do. Find and book your activities today, and the only thing you'll have left to do is count the days until your escape and prepare to have fun. Next stop: Istanbul!

  • The things to do in Istanbul are not only among the best, but they won’t bust your budget. We have 584 things to do here, and you can make them yours starting at just AU$7. Get your favourite tour on Expedia Australia for significant savings, and you'll still have money for a dream hotel or fine meal while you’re visiting.
  • Istanbul is a favourite among travellers suchlike yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next trip to the regionto learn about local culture and explore the best things to do. The most loved things to do can grab the interest of even well-versed globetrotters, and one look at our list explains why. Our activities includes a wide range of entertainment and opportunities for excitement. From unique ways to see the best this area has to provide like a Pamukkale Hot Springs from Istanbul by Overnight Bus to Speedy Shuttle: Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) that offers the most convenient way to get around town, there are plenty of selections at your disposal when you peruse the inventory of activities here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the perfect way to organise your trip. It takes a little planning to make the most of a trip to Istanbul, particularly when you want to include trips to museums and outdoor activities. And we can tell you're someone who likes to get out and about—you're ready to get out and play. You cannot wait to scope out the best activities around, and an exploration of historic city neighbourhoods is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. Book group tours on Expedia Australia, and you'll learn all about the city's history along the way.


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Top places to visit

1. Hagia Sophia

Known as “Ayasofa” (Sacred Wisdom) in Turkish, the Hagia Sofia started out as a church, becoming a cathedral under the Byzantine empire. Later it would become a mosque, and most recently a museum and monument that is hugely valued by the people of Turkey.
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Hagia Sophia

2. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a prominent part of view of the Istanbul skyline. Constructed under Sultan Ahmed I, it was finished in 1616. Its designer's vision was to display the Islamic faith central to the Ottoman Empire in this massive site of worship.
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Blue Mosque featuring religious elements, heritage architecture and a mosque

3. Grand Bazaar

Originally opened in the mid-15th century by Sultan Mehmet II as a site for textile trading, the Grand Bazaar continues to offer everything from pottery and tiles to spices and brassware, as well as belly-dancing clothes, pipes, ashtrays, and much more. It used to be that each street had a craft, and while this isn't strictly the case any longer, there are areas of the bazaar where you'll be able to compare your craft of choice side by side with lots of others.
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Grand Bazaar

4. Galata Tower

At just under 67 metres in height, Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city when built in 1348. It was constructed as the heart of the fortifications of the Genovese colony in Constantinople at that time, and was named the 'Tower of Christ'. Later, it became a lookout tower for fires in the 18th century, and was indeed seriously damaged by fire in both the 18th and 19th centuries. The most recent significant refurbishment took place during the 1960s, and the tower has been open to visitors since then.
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Galata Tower

5. Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace covers over 70 hectares at the place where the city was founded, and is surrounded by more than five kilometres of walls. Despite being a 15th-century building, it is excellently preserved, and was opened to the public in 1924 by Kemal Ataturk, the 'Father of the Turks'.
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Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

6. Bosphorus Bridge

Travel between Europe and Asia and enjoy incredible views along the Bosphorus Bridge. This 1.5-kilometre (1-mile) suspension bridge spans the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Istanbul’s Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi districts.
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Bosphorus Bridge which includes a bridge, a river or creek and cruising

What to do in Istanbul


Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Explore areas of Istanbul

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Kadıköy

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Kalamış Marina, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
Blue Mosque which includes a pond, a mosque and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

4/5(72 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a bridge, a river or creek and cruising

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
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Istanbul City Center

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Experience the bustling atmosphere of the beating heart of Istanbul, with its splendid mix of cosmopolitan and historical attractions.

Istanbul City Center
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Şişli

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada.

Şişli

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Istanbul

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is explore Hagia Sophia. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Istanbul?
Start your adventures with a visit to Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then, check out other parts of Istanbul for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Istanbul?
The top tourist attraction in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Istanbul?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace with a three-day trip to Istanbul. On average, most travellers book four days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Arnavutköy.
Is Istanbul a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Istanbul is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then take a stroll around Fatih, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Old City, which is roughly 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Istanbul with kids?
Planning what to do in Istanbul with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Istanbul for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Istanbul for adults including Istiklal Avenue and Sinan Erdem Dome.
Are there free things to do in Istanbul?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Istanbul is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bağdat Avenue is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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